Can Dwarf Pea Puffer and Licorice Gourami Live Together?

Dwarf Pea Puffer is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Dwarf Pea Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Dwarf Pea Puffer and Licorice Gourami increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Dwarf Pea Puffer and Licorice Gourami both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Dwarf Pea Puffer (6.5–8) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–4 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Dwarf Pea Puffer and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 112 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Dwarf Pea Puffer and Licorice Gourami are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Dwarf Pea Puffer is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.